Tom-n-Cheryl

The $500 or 5%, do they go with whichever is higher? When you say 5% of previous play... what does that mean (how is that calculated)? Tom

That seems to be the likely outcome, especially if you were to just assume you could use it as your "freebie". Tom

Interesting - seems it's clear as mud, like always ! My boarding pass for this Saturday on the Mardi Gras (suite and diamond) has nothing "extra" on it regarding cabin availability. BTW - It is highly unlikely we'll be there before 11 🙂 Tom

I just received the following email. I can't recall seeing one like this in the past (or, perhaps I just didn't pay attention). So, for Platinum and Diamond guests who are also staying in a suite - are they implying that your cabin will be ready as soon as you board the ship - and not just so that you can drop off your luggage? I should have this down by now, but it seems to be a constantly moving target. ------------------- VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SUITE GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION Dear Valued Platinum and Diamond Suite Guests, Welcome back! We want to make you aware of the priority benefits for sailings departing from the U.S. and Europe. Platinum and Diamond Suite guests will be given 48 hours advance access to select their preferred Arrival Appointment. Please visit My Cruise Manager on Carnival.com starting at 16 days prior to sailing to complete your Online Check-In and select the Arrival Appointment that works best with your plans. We will not be able to accommodate guests who show up outside their Arrival Appointment. Upon arrival to the terminal, look for the Priority line to check-in. Once on board, you will be able to access your stateroom. Priority luggage delivery is available for checked-bags. Priority debark and water shuttle debark is available at the home port and ports of call. A US$25 in Casino FunPlay®, in addition to any other FunPlay® you might be entitled to as part of your booking, will be provided. --------------- And, specifically - what defines "priority luggage delivery"? And it only says that it's "available" (as if one would need to request this service). Interesting wording. Tom

I just received an email (supposedly for Platinum and Diamond Suite Guests) which indicates: Complimentary Beverages Brunch Beverage – redeemable in the dining room. 1.5L Bottled Water – redeemable from any bar, restaurant or your stateroom. So, for suite guests at least, I guess you're limited to the bottles of water in your cabin.... darn it! 😉 Tom

I'm sure they'd love for me to do that, lol. Those points (earned late November to early December) can be added to through what period of time - and that holds you at that tier until when? Tom

Yes, it does. ENJOY ! I'll make sure we bring the ship back for you guys ! 😄

Perhaps I didn't lose enough... no idea, but I managed twenty something thousand points (blackjack) on our Reflection sailing (7+7 B2B) nearly three months ago - and I've been ghosted by them. No emails, no mailings, nothing. When I call, they say the best they can do is 10% off a suite, which actually makes it more expensive to book with them than with Celebrity direct online. No worries - I'm getting my cruise fix elsewhere (and some real deals at that) until they decide they want me back! Frankly, I don't know if that amount of points is considered good/bad/(ugly, lol). Maybe it was my time in the casino. We did not go in there every night (perhaps 2 out of 3, or 3 out of 4 evenings), and when we did, it was just for a couple of hours. Most was black chip "action". Tom

If only they were able to up the ante for those with more shares (1,000+, etc). 🙂

Yep - all ships w/Steakhouse (Rudi's too). It applies on both the first evening and the first cruise elegant evening (which is usually, but not always, the second night). Choice of either the free bottle OR 50% off a bottle from their wine menu. Tom

THANKS Where does the bottle of liquor factor in ... that's a Diamond benefit? When do you relay your preference to them? Tom

Cruise (soapbox) Critic ---- yes indeed! It's where I go to not only gather info, but to offer suggestions, give info, and VENT ! 🙂 Tom

Isn't that the case... how in the world am I supposed to RSVP to the number on my Diamond Event invite when it just rings and rings (I'm talking 20-30 rings multiple times throughout the day). I've noticed that on 3-4 different ships. Waaaay back in the day, it was answered promptly. Now, it's a waste of time. They (guest services) claim, when I bring this to their attention, that they've "never had any problems with the line". Yeah, right... Tom

LOL - on our Reflection sailing over Thanksgiving, one of the restaurant supervisors (who we've sailed with before) was commenting on MSC, as we were next to them in port. He said "it's all Italian mafia"... 😉 Tom

Sounds good. We'll be on the Mardi Gras next Saturday, and will have a closer look (nothing reserved for this trip).

Or coffee makers in the cabins (at least some cabins... perhaps Excel suites, as had been planned up to a few weeks before the Mardi Gras welcomed her first guests). Tom

I can't be sure - we have not had a chance to try it yet (May '23). I originally had #10 booked, but made the switch. Tom

Tomato, Tomatoe.... 😉 I, alone, have probably loaded this page 100 times. (but, I'm in a "learning mode" regarding MSC) Tom

We picked cabana #5, as it's off to itself to some degree (not sharing see through walls with other cabanas). Tom

How in the world are we off topic again? This is totally unacceptable !! 😉 Tom

Just booked a couple sailings next year on the Seashore in a RS. I submitted my info and received a quick reply that it would not apply to my booking since they don't give it on YC3 categories... 😞 Tom

I'm a bit confused - what's the difference between your Voyagers Club benefits and the Diamond benefits.. wouldn't those be the same? Perhaps I just don't understand the MSC "way". 🙂 .. so .. what should I expect/be looking for on my confirmation regarding our matched Diamond status? Tom

Cheryl and I, fortunately, ordered that to share. 🙂 Tom

I'm guessing that they don't want the fare to appear to increase by that much - and run people off. I agree though, some level of gratuities should be fixed (not removable - at least not as easy as standing in a long line). I've covered the cruise fare for my staff (annual office cruise) for many sailings, and they all know that the parking and tips are on their dime. Unfortunately, I had one staff member that was known to pull their tips more than once. It's the same one who would (when we cover lunch on Thursdays) order enough for leftovers for dinner. She's no longer with us... Tom

Pedi stools --- gotta love voice to text (at least that's what I hope happened). 😄 No EGO here... it's all about "rewards" for loyal patronage. Tom